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In this new fangled world of ours, there seems to be a category-defying gadget released every week. We get cameras with radios, phones with digital music players, phones with internet, fridges with internet - yes, that's right, folks, fridges. So it's no real surprise to find that Evesham has released a computer that also doubles as a TV and video.
This is not a new idea, as many computers are now equipped with TV tuner cards and you can buy one to slot into your computer for less than £100. However, Evesham's Axis PVR is specifically designed to double as a Personal Video Recorder.
It's supplied with Showshifter software to give you more control over your TV viewing. The program needs a TV signal to work, so a lead from your aerial or satellite set-top box needs to be connected to the back of the tuner card.
Showshifter will then take over. It will automatically tune in to all the channels available before inviting you to decide the ones you want to store. You can view in full screen or watch different channels in different windows.
By using the hard disk recording facility, you can also pause your viewing of a live TV programme to make a cup of tea and then resume watching from the point you left when you return. The software continues recording and playing back the programme, so you don't miss a second. You can also use the Timer function to record your favourite shows in the normal way.
The Axis also has DigiGuide software, which displays daily TV listings. This gives you access to the full range of programme schedules on your Desktop, so you can plan exactly what you want to watch. With an easy interface and simple control method, this software gives you control over your channels, picture, audio and compression facilities.
Aside from the PVR software, the Axis is a traditional PC. The 1.4GHz Athlon processor is, disappointingly, not one of the latest XP versions and the 256Mb of DDR memory isn't over-generous when you consider that this PC has been designed with media in mind. It's still a very powerful PC, but we feel buyers could get more for their money elsewhere.
On a happier note, the 64MB GeForce2 Ti graphics card performed well in our 3D graphics tests, suggesting the Axis would make a competent gaming choice.
There is a CD-RW drive and a recordable DVD that supports both DVD-RAM and DVD-R standards. Combined with a 17in Flatron monitor and a Creative 5.1 sound card and speakers, it's good for films and music. These drives allow you to record both music and film onto disc, and also give you extra storage options if you need more than the generous 60GB hard disk.
The lack of a FireWire port is very strange given that this machine is tailor-made for video editing. Aside from that, connectivity is pretty good, with four USB ports and a TV-Out port for watching games, DVDs and TV on a standard television.
The Showshifter software is very good but the Axis PVR won't make sense to many people. Evesham has a range of cheaper, more powerful PCs. The PVR is a brave attempt to show where PCs are going, but it merely demonstrates that they are not there yet.
Contact
Evesham.com: 0800 038 0800
www.evesham.com
ALSO CONSIDER
ATI Radeon All In Wonder
A cheap way to get TV on your PC.
£150
*****
Computeractive, Issue 99
See also:
Good specs, combined with a low price and a three-year on-site warranty, make this a great value piece of kit. 06 Jun 2002
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